St Philip Neri was born in 1515 in Florence. He was well known for his humour as well as his piety. He moved to Rome to devote his life to God and after three years studying philosophy and theology he became a layperson where he gather many people who would meet for informal prayer and discussion. These people were drawn to his lively spirituality. Philip also served the poor people in Rome. He later to become a priest and became an outstanding confessor. Philip gathered a group of priests and established the Congregation of the Oratory. He died in 1595 after a long battle with illness and was canonised in 1622. He is the patron saint of Rome.